Mountain Bluebird

[David Salem]

Went out to my local shooting spot with my son a few months ago to see if there was anything around. My are is hot and dry after winter and there isn't much to shoot throughout the summer so I figured it would be a bust. I saw this beautiful male Mountain Bluebird sitting on a branch and I set myself up for a flight shot.
This is the first frame I shot as he bolted off of the perch and the only keeper for the day. I couldn't believe my good fortune when I looked at the cameras LCD. I have been trying to get a good flight frame of these guys for years. I have a few but this one is my best to date. Hope you like it.

1DX---840mm---f6.3---ss1/4000---ISO640---HH from truck@4:40pm---50%crop

Thanks as always for looking and for your input. I appreciate it

David

[stuart wanuck]

looking at you great capture

[Marina Scarr]

The best bluebird flight shot I have ever laid eyes on. That wing spread is just amazing and then you have the head turn. I would tone down the catch light a little bit. It appears to be enhanced from my perspective. Congrats on this one.

[David Salem]

Thanks Stuart and Marina I'm glad you like the frame. Yes the catch light was there but I did enhance it a little to make it a bit more prominent. I could easily tone it down a hair. Thanks again

[Lorant Voros]

Simply incredible! This view of the bird and it is looking at you...outstanding. Luck..for sure. And a lot of other things like a super bird photographer.

[Michael Thompson]

Wow, that is the bluest of bluebirds! Congrats on this capture, perfect wing position, great colors, sharp, this one will look great on the wall!

[Isaac Grant]

I have to say that this is one of the best passerines in flight shots that I have ever seen. May be the best. Wing position, sharpness, head turn are all top notch. Agree that the catchlight is a bit over done. I'd be smiling for a month if I got a shot like this.

[Tim Foltz]

Dave, beautiful sharp takeoff shot with a great look back for a wonderful catch light, nice BG too.

-Tim

[Jonathan Ashton]

Such an elegant shot excellent details and a wonderful pose.

[keith mitchell]

David totally agree with the others this really is top notch!

Keith.

[Loi Nguyen]

Hi David, I captured a Mountain Bluebird on a perch here at Yellowstone and I thought it was pretty cool. My flight shots went to the bin. I'm glad I hadn't posted mine.

This is just an incredible capture from the colors, sharpness, dynamic pose, HA. what more can you ask for?

Congrats on this frame. Well done.

Loi

[David Salem]

Thanks everyone. I'm glad you like the frame.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Dear David,

I see a Bluebird for the first time - such a stunning looking specimen, unbelievable plumage colour! You captured this so well, wonderful spread from the wings, such a frame filler!

Beautifully composed and the HA makes it even more interesting, seems as if the subject is turning to look at you. Love the catchlight in the eye, detail, sharpness, IQ is great, as expected:)

Let us not forget the BG, which helps the subject stand out beautifully. It all just works, very well processed and presented, a great pleasure to view:S3:

Warmest regards,

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent pose and topside details in sweet light Dave! can't get much better

[Bill Dix]

Sweet! Between the fully spread wings, the head turn, and your exemplary techs, this is about as good as it gets.

[Raybel Robles]

Superb! Superb! Great details, pose, and the perfect look at you HA. Also the blue color in this bird species is beautiful! I hope one day to see one.

[annmpacheco]

Perfecto, Bravo, all has been said, what to aim for!

[William Dickson]

Beautiful flight pose and lovely colours. Great detail as usual.

Well done David and TFS

Will

[P-A. Fortin]

IOTY?

[David Salem]

Thanks so much everyone. I appreciate your nice comments and I am really glad you like the frame.

P-A, Thanks for the vote of confidence but now that they asked me to be a Moderator I am not eligible for the IOTY anymore.
Two times is plenty for me anyways.

[Glenn Conlan]

I thought we had some great bluebird image in the past years, looks like I can delete all mine, this one makes mine suitable for the trash bin! Nailed it

[Jim Neiger]

KILLER! Nicely done! BFAM

[Daniel Cadieux]

I do not know what else to add!! Fantastic all around.

[Matthew Jones]

Exquisite frame David - I haven't seen this species but the colours remind me of the Rollers. I note your comment "HH from truck" and all I can say is keep on truckin'

[Joe Subolefsky]

WoW awesome capture the head turn really makes it pop.

[David Salem]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your nice comments.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dave, a bit late as always - firstly, well timed for the take off, and what an excellent wingspread and head turn. I really like the detail and sharpness ( couldnt go wrong with that ss ) and just love the blues on this species. Sweet BG too.